President William Ruto has fulfilled a commitment to the Luo Council of Elders by handing over a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX to its chairman, Ker Odungi Randa.
Randa received the vehicle on Saturday and said the unexpected gift would significantly enhance his mobility as he carries out his responsibilities as chairman of the Luo Council of Elders.
Speaking to journalists in Nyando, Randa expressed gratitude to President Ruto, saying the vehicle would enable him to travel across Kenya and beyond to engage members of the Luo community.
“First of all, I appreciate the gift from His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto. The gift he has given me will help me in my movements as I travel to Tanzania, Uganda, Mombasa, Nairobi and many other areas to check on the Luo people,” Randa said.
He said the vehicle would also facilitate his work as the Ker, including efforts to strengthen links with Luos living in different parts of East Africa.
Randa revealed that his journey to receiving the vehicle began earlier this year when Kisumu Governor Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o invited him to accompany him to State House to meet President Ruto.
According to Randa, during the meeting, the President asked him how he travelled from one place to another while executing his duties. He responded that he had no reliable means of transport.
Randa said he later met President Ruto during his four-day tour of Nyanza, when the Head of State directed Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi to facilitate a meeting between the two.
During the subsequent meeting, Randa said he reminded Ruto about his transport challenges, prompting the President to contact Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo regarding the matter.
The chairman said the President had now honoured his commitment by providing the vehicle.
Randa also called on the Luo community to support President Ruto and allow him to serve his two constitutional terms, arguing that his administration had increased government projects and appointments in Nyanza.
He urged Luos not to campaign against members of the community who have secured positions in government.
“I want to ask my fellow Luos that let’s support President William Ruto and ensure he serves this country for two terms. Let’s not also criticise our own and call for their sacking. The government has got so many tribes, not Luos only,” he said.
During Ruto’s recent Nyanza tour, Randa said he also appealed to the President to increase the recruitment of young people from the Luo community into the military, police service and other state institutions.
He said the community had been inadequately represented in government employment for a long time and asked the administration to address the imbalance.
Randa further said he had held discussions with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga before his death, and urged the Luo community to remain guided by the direction they had agreed upon at the time.
Recent reports have also documented Randa’s public calls for the Luo community to support Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
